Gary M. Luff

Gary Michael Luff died November 4, 2024, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. He was born February 20, 1939, in Independence, Missouri, to Edgar Paul Luff and Jennie Lee Bascomb Luff. 

After ROTC in high school, Gary attended the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he earned his undergraduate degree and was subsequently commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, Gary returned to the Citadel on assignment and also earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. 

Gary spent 22 years in the Army and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He served three tours in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star for Valor for his actions in the Battle of Easter Sunday 1967. During his career he also served in Korea, Germany, the Pentagon, Ft Knox, Kentucky, and Ft Benning Georgia. In Germany, he had a three-year tour as a Battalion Tank Commander. He completed multiple Army schools including Airborne School, Ranger School, Jungle Warfare School, Special Forces Military Advisory School, U.S. Army Command, and General Staff College. He also spent a year as Aide-de-Camp to General of the Army, Omar Bradley, the last 5-Star General of the Army. After retiring from the Army, Gary had a career in the private sector as an executive in Human Resources and Director of HR software development. 

Gary was a master bridge player as well as a certified bridge teacher and bridge club director. Boy Scouts was dear to Gary and he volunteered at the Woodruff Boy Scout Camp for many summers as director of the rifle range. He himself was an Eagle Scout, attaining the goal at the age of 13. Gary directed a boy scout troup in Moultrie with many of his scouts attaining Eagle Scout. 

A person of faith, Gary has lived his life with Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was a member of First Baptist Church. 

Gary was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Allegood Luff; a stepson, Michael Shane Wingate and wife Darla of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Shelby Corrine Wingate, West Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas Michael Wingate, West Palm Beach, Florida; MaKenzie Jordan Sauers, Royal Palm Beach, Florida; a brother, Lawrence Paul Luff and wife Chea of Mrytle Beach, South Carolina; a nephew, David Michael Luff and wife Paula, Woodbridge, Virginia; a niece, Julie Michelle Ballas and husband Steve, Nokesville, Virginia. 

The family can be visited at the Luff residence and will also receive friends after the service. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Cobb Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Matt Peek officiating and Larry Luff and Dr. Kirby Smith will be speaking. 

Baker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.